KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee House passed a bill on Tuesday that would let educators bring guns to school. The Senate previously passed the bill and it is now headed to Governor Bill Lee.
The bill lets school faculty and staff have concealed handguns at the schools they are assigned to. Educators would need to have a handgun carry permit and have written permission from their director of schools, as well as from the school's principal.
They also need to go through training and notify law enforcement in the area that they have a gun on school grounds.
WBIR asked every school district in East Tennessee if it plans on changing gun policies to allow staff to carry guns. Below are the responses received so far.
Alcoa City Schools
"At this time I want to have more discussions with my school board, local law enforcement, and board attorney before making any decisions," said Rebecca Stone, the Director of Schools.
Anderson County Schools
"We will not be arming teachers," said Ryan Sutton, a spokesperson for Andeson County Schools.
Clinton City Schools
"Clinton City Schools has a qualified SRO in every school in addition to a robust school safety plan which provides a tremendous amount of mitigation efforts. We work closely with the Clinton Police Department and our assigned Homeland Security Agent to create a safe learning environment for our students. It is our intention to let our teachers focus on instruction, and allow the trained police department and school administrators collaboratively handle safety issues and concerns," CCS Director Kelly Johnson.
Jefferson County Schools
“Jefferson County Schools will not immediately change any policy or procedure allowing staff to begin carrying a gun this school year. I will have discussions concerning the policy and procedure of employees carrying a gun with the board, sheriff and district-wide safety team. Final plans, information and records regarding employees carrying a gun will be a part of the district-wide school safety plans and building-level safety plans," said Tommy Arnold, the JCS Director.
Knox County Schools
“At KCS, we are fortunate to have a highly trained, armed security officer in every school. We are aware that the bill is headed to the Governor’s desk, and we will be reviewing it," said Carly Harrington, a spokesperson for KCS.
"There's not a need for us to use the provisions in the new legislation. We have safety plans that we monitor all the time, again, we're continuing investment in that and continuing to get better. I'm confident in the fact that we have armed, trained officers in every building," said Superintendent Jon Rysewyk.
Maryville City Schools
"Maryville City Schools believes our teachers’ focus should remain on teaching, while School Resource Officers should be responsible for ensuring campus safety. Our approach will remain unchanged, and only officers from the Maryville City Police Department who serve as our SRO's will be armed within our schools," said Mike Winstead, the director of MCS.
Oak Ridge Schools
"Should Governor Lee sign the legislation allowing concealed firearms in schools into law, Oak Ridge Schools will not allow teachers or school staff to carry firearms in our buildings. As educators, it is our duty and privilege to keep our students and staff safe, and we remain committed to implementing effective and comprehensive policies that prioritize the well-being of everyone in Oak Ridge Schools. We are grateful for our partnership with Oak Ridge law enforcement agencies and believe that our School Resource Officers and ongoing investments in safety infrastructure have a greater positive impact on our overall safety than arming staff would," said Molly Gallagher Smith, a communications specialist with Oak Ridge Schools.
Oneida Special School District
"At this time, The Oneida Special School District will not be acting on this new law. Our law enforcement agency and our Chief of Police, Mr. Darrell Laxton and his staff do a great job ensuring our schools are safe. With that being said, at this time, my teachers will focus on teaching and taking care of our students," said Jeanny Phillips, the director of schools.
Sevier County Schools
"The Sevier County School System has no statement to offer regarding the passage of this legislation at this time," said Tony Ogle, the school district's Assistant Superintendent.
Sweetwater City Schools
“We currently do not have plans to change or create new policies related to arming staff members," said Rodney Boruff, the SCS Director of Schools.
Union County Schools
"Of course, our board would have to approve any policy change. I am not in favor of teachers carrying weapons in schools. I need further information about the training requirements and other components in the legislation before I would give a final answer," said Greg Clay, the director of Union County Schools.